How to Use This Book
I divided this book into four parts, each of which contains several chapters. Although I arranged the sections and chapters in a fairly logical sequence, you can read them in any order you choose. Here’s a quick preview of what’s in store for you.
Part I: Children of the Soil
You can skip the science, but if you are new to microgreens or new to indoor gardening, read the story of three friends from Virginia, USA who created microgreens. Soil secrets teach you why growing in soil beats the “ponics”–aquaponics and hydroponics. Learning how to control the environment (water, air temperature, light, and disease prevention) is critical to a successful harvest.
Chapter One – Microgreens: Where Do They Come From?
- Cotyledons and Microgreens
- Windowsill Gardening
- Microgreens: A Brief History
- Microgreens Today
- Why are Microgreens so popular now?
Chapter Two – Seven Soil Secrets
- Soil Functions
- A Word About Hydroponics
Chapter Three – Lighting, Watering, and Disease Prevention
- Light
- Watering
- Managing Plant Life
- Summary
Part 2: Making Preparations
Already tried growing microgreens but need some help? Then get your comprehensive checklist of tools and ingredients. Which plants do you grow? Do you like your foods sweet, nutty, peppery? Do you want to harvest in 8 days, not 14? Any container can be the right container when you pick the best soil and prepare them correctly. Don’t forget those seeds.
Chapter Four – Gathering Your Equipment and Ingredients
- Container
- Growing Equipment
- The Ingredients
- Final Thoughts on Preparation
Chapter Five – Plant Selection
- Microgreens that grow fast
- Microgreens that fit your taste buds.
- Microgreens that are high in essential nutrients
- Microgreens that have a good shelf
- Which Microgreens should I Grow?
- Microgreens to avoid
Chapter Six – Day 0: Prepare the Seed Bed, Sow the Seeds
- Prepare the Seed Bed
- Sow The Seeds
- Water the Seed bed
Part 3: The Growing Lifecycle
From seed to germination, sprouting to “nanogreens” to the children of the soil, I guide you from Day Zero through Day Eight, and more. You get all the hints and tips of two years of growing microgreens commercially.
Chapter Seven – Food Factories
- How Microgreens Grow
- Germination
- Seedling Growth
- Main Shoot Growth
- Leaf Production
Chapter Eight – DAY 1: germination
- Light
- Water
- Heat
- Humidity
- Disease Control
Chapter Nine – Days 2: Seedlings
- Daily Check-in
- Where Do You Grow Your Greens?
- Watering from the Bottom
- Heat
Chapter Ten – Day 3-8: Monitoring and Managing Growth
- Day 3: Inch-high Seedlings
- Day 4: They are looking Better
- Day 5: They are looking Better
- Day 6: Cotyledon leaves
- Day 7: First True leaves
- Day 8: Almost there
- Additional growing information
Chapter: Eleven – Day 9: Harvesting Your Microgreens
- Harvesting (Cutting, Washing, Drying)
- Eating the Fruits of Your Harvest
- Post-Harvest
Chapter Twelve – Storing Your Microgreens
- Temperature
- Air Circulation
- Know Your Fridge
- Humidity
- Light
- Dehydration
Part 4: Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
In case you forgot something, or your environment needs special attention, we’re here with more tips and answers.
Chapter Thirteen – Frequently Asked Questions
- Your Questions
- BUSINESS Tips
Chapter Fourteen – Growing Microgreens For Profit
- The Business Model Canvas
- The Next Five Years
- Your Startup
Chapter Fifteen – A Final Word: Eat Your Microgreens Every Day
And just when you thought it was over. There are several bonuses are waiting for you on the Special Microgreens World VIP bonus page:
- An information-packed chapter on succeeding as a small business microgreens startup.
- A beautiful grow journal to record your journey,
- Digital (MS Excel) journal,
- 10 quick and easy microgreens recipes, and
- The Easy Guide: Healthy Eating At Any Age.
Where To Go From Here
By the time you finish reading this book, you will have used all the information to grow and harvest your first microgreens crop.
For those of you who are new to microgreens, may this book encourage a new and happy familiarity with food that you can grow yourself.
I know this book will inspire you, and you will harvest abundantly.
Enjoy reading!
Sincerely,
